CAPEC-677: Server Motherboard Compromise
Malware is inserted in a server motherboard (e.g., in the flash memory) in order to alter server functionality from that intended. The development environment or hardware/software support activity environment is susceptible to an adversary inserting malicious software into hardware components during development or update.
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Overview
CAPEC-677 (Server Motherboard Compromise) is a detailed-level attack pattern catalogued by MITRE in the Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC). It describes a recurring method attackers use to exploit software weaknesses.
What the attacker needs
Prerequisites
- An adversary with access to hardware/software processes and tools within the development or hardware/software support environment can insert malicious software into hardware components during development or update/maintenance.
Consequences
What a successful CAPEC-677 attack can achieve.
Execute Unauthorized Commands
Affects: Integrity
How to mitigate it
Defenses that reduce the risk of CAPEC-677.
- Purchase IT systems, components and parts from government approved vendors whenever possible.
- Establish diversity among suppliers.
- Conduct rigorous threat assessments of suppliers.
- Require that Bills of Material (BoM) for critical parts and components be certified.
- Utilize contract language requiring contractors and subcontractors to flow down to subcontractors and suppliers SCRM and SCRA (Supply Chain Risk Assessment) requirements.
- Establish trusted supplier networks.
Examples
Malware is inserted into the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) software that resides on a flash memory chip soldered to a computer’s motherboard. It is the first thing to turn on when a system is booted and is allowed access to almost every part of the operating system. Hence, the malware will have extensive control over operating system functions and persist after system reboots. [REF-685]